Author
Listed:
- T. Siday
(University of Regensburg)
- J. Hayes
(University of Regensburg)
- F. Schiegl
(University of Regensburg)
- F. Sandner
(University of Regensburg)
- P. Menden
(University of Regensburg)
- V. Bergbauer
(University of Regensburg)
- M. Zizlsperger
(University of Regensburg)
- S. Nerreter
(University of Regensburg)
- S. Lingl
(University of Regensburg)
- J. Repp
(University of Regensburg)
- J. Wilhelm
(University of Regensburg)
- M. A. Huber
(University of Regensburg)
- Y. A. Gerasimenko
(University of Regensburg)
- R. Huber
(University of Regensburg)
Abstract
Bringing optical microscopy to the shortest possible length and time scales has been a long-sought goal, connecting nanoscopic elementary dynamics with the macroscopic functionalities of condensed matter. Super-resolution microscopy has circumvented the far-field diffraction limit by harnessing optical nonlinearities1. By exploiting linear interaction with tip-confined evanescent light fields2, near-field microscopy3,4 has reached even higher resolution, prompting a vibrant research field by exploring the nanocosm in motion5–19. Yet the finite radius of the nanometre-sized tip apex has prevented access to atomic resolution20. Here we leverage extreme atomic nonlinearities within tip-confined evanescent fields to push all-optical microscopy to picometric spatial and femtosecond temporal resolution. On these scales, we discover an unprecedented and efficient non-classical near-field response, in phase with the vector potential of light and strictly confined to atomic dimensions. This ultrafast signal is characterized by an optical phase delay of approximately π/2 and facilitates direct monitoring of tunnelling dynamics. We showcase the power of our optical concept by imaging nanometre-sized defects hidden to atomic force microscopy and by subcycle sampling of current transients on a semiconducting van der Waals material. Our results facilitate access to quantum light–matter interaction and electronic dynamics at ultimately short spatio-temporal scales in both conductive and insulating quantum materials.
Suggested Citation
T. Siday & J. Hayes & F. Schiegl & F. Sandner & P. Menden & V. Bergbauer & M. Zizlsperger & S. Nerreter & S. Lingl & J. Repp & J. Wilhelm & M. A. Huber & Y. A. Gerasimenko & R. Huber, 2024.
"All-optical subcycle microscopy on atomic length scales,"
Nature, Nature, vol. 629(8011), pages 329-334, May.
Handle:
RePEc:nat:nature:v:629:y:2024:i:8011:d:10.1038_s41586-024-07355-7
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07355-7
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